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Iowa State to host Incarnate Word in makeup for lost opener

Sports

September 12th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Iowa State has found a replacement for its canceled opener. The Cyclones said Wednesday they will host Incarnate Word on Dec. 1 — unless Iowa State qualifies for the Big 12 title game or Incarnate Word reaches the FCS playoffs. Iowa State will pay Incarnate Word $300,000 for the game and provide use of a charter aircraft for the team to fly to Iowa.

The Cyclones and South Dakota State played only a few minutes before their Sept. 1 game was called off because of lightning in and around Ames, Iowa. South Dakota State received its $425,000 payout, despite playing less than half of a quarter.

The added game will give Iowa State (0-1) an extra shot at the six wins needed for bowl eligibility, or perhaps a chance to improve their bowl position if they reach the minimum number of victories before then. The Cyclones host No. 5 Oklahoma on Saturday as a 17-point underdog.

Iowa State said fans who purchased tickets to the South Dakota State game will receive new tickets to the Dec. 1 game. Incarnate Word went 1-10 last season. The Cardinals play in the Southland Conference and are 0-2 so far in 2018, losing to New Mexico 62-30 and North Texas 58-16.